There's no denying that Jesus Franco's films are low-budget and kitschy, but that doesn't mean that they can't be enjoyable, or that they aren't suitably well made for what they are. So it's no big deal that, for example, a story of suicide and vengeful murder is paired with a jaunty, lively soundtrack that wouldn't sound out of place in a 60s beach party movie, or maybe a flick highlighting go-go dancers. On the other hand, 'She killed in ecstasy' isn't especially lengthy - yet about one-third of the runtime languishes in exposition that's frankly repetitive as it presents. If this were a drama of at least, say, 100 minutes this wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, but this title is too short and carries itself too loosely. Even once the narrative begins in earnest the film somewhat dallies; under the guidance of another director one might say that the filmmaker were letting the cast explore each beat in their own way, but I hardly think this was Franco's style or intention. The end result is that a story that should be cheekily fun and stimulating feels exactly as campy and low-grade as it is, without the benefit of the heartiest sex, violence, or questionable exploitation that would best get one's attention. 'She killed in ecstasy' seems like a sadly misleading title; 'She flounders in sorrow' would be more accurate overall.
This is all the more sad because this picture was one of the last that star Soledad Miranda made before she died, all too young, at 27. The premise is very promising. The "crimes" and "blasphemy" of which Dr. Johnson was accused instead show the medical board to have been judgmental, moralizing, unscientific Luddites, further endearing us to his avenging widow. The cast give solid performances - Miranda above all leans into the enraged mental state of Mrs. Johnson - and while editing is a little overzealous, the feature is capably made from a technical standpoint. The costume design, hair and makeup work, set design and decorations, and filming locations are all wonderfully fetching. And Franco's screenplay seems perfectly fine on paper - not particularly complicated, but filled with swell ideas that could have been explored to rich, tantalizing ends if more care were taken. However, for all the possibilities and advantages 'She killed in ecstasy' can boast, ultimately the execution comes across as weak, and lackluster, not entirely fulfilling what we desired of it.
It could and should have been an entertaining, unserious, sexy, violent romp. There are even glimmers of a psychological thriller than manifest in the very last stretch, and there are parts of this that I absolutely love. What we get, however, is regrettably one or two steps down from tapping into its utmost potential, and I can't help but feel a little disappointed. I don't dislike this picture; I want to like it more than I do. But based on the concept and those involved - and for as long as it took me to find it to watch - it simply falls a tad short. Now, with all this said, if you're a fan of those involved, and on board with Franco's approach to film-making, it's still worth taking a look. Just bear in mind, though, that 'She killed in ecstasy' suffers from touches of deficient craft that robs us of the totality of what it portends, and of what we expect from the director. Alas.
This is all the more sad because this picture was one of the last that star Soledad Miranda made before she died, all too young, at 27. The premise is very promising. The "crimes" and "blasphemy" of which Dr. Johnson was accused instead show the medical board to have been judgmental, moralizing, unscientific Luddites, further endearing us to his avenging widow. The cast give solid performances - Miranda above all leans into the enraged mental state of Mrs. Johnson - and while editing is a little overzealous, the feature is capably made from a technical standpoint. The costume design, hair and makeup work, set design and decorations, and filming locations are all wonderfully fetching. And Franco's screenplay seems perfectly fine on paper - not particularly complicated, but filled with swell ideas that could have been explored to rich, tantalizing ends if more care were taken. However, for all the possibilities and advantages 'She killed in ecstasy' can boast, ultimately the execution comes across as weak, and lackluster, not entirely fulfilling what we desired of it.
It could and should have been an entertaining, unserious, sexy, violent romp. There are even glimmers of a psychological thriller than manifest in the very last stretch, and there are parts of this that I absolutely love. What we get, however, is regrettably one or two steps down from tapping into its utmost potential, and I can't help but feel a little disappointed. I don't dislike this picture; I want to like it more than I do. But based on the concept and those involved - and for as long as it took me to find it to watch - it simply falls a tad short. Now, with all this said, if you're a fan of those involved, and on board with Franco's approach to film-making, it's still worth taking a look. Just bear in mind, though, that 'She killed in ecstasy' suffers from touches of deficient craft that robs us of the totality of what it portends, and of what we expect from the director. Alas.